Catalans land Josh Drinkwater

Catalans have signed former Leigh and London half-back Josh Drinkwater with immediate effect until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old has been brought in to replace veteran Luke Walsh, who has been forced to retire after failing to recover from an ankle injury sustained in February.

Drinkwater made his NRL debut in 2013 and made four appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons, before having spells with London Broncos and Leigh Centurions in Super League.

He has been plying his trade in Australia for Western Suburbs Magpies this year and has been one of the form players in the New South Wales Cup, scoring 72 points and grabbing 11 assists in seven games.

Steve McNamara, Dragons head coach, said: “Replacing Luke in our squad will be Josh Drinkwater who we are delighted to say has agreed to join us with immediate effect.

“Josh has had a brilliant start to the season in the NSW cup in Australia and having had previous experience in the Super League competition knows a lot about the game over here.”

Drinkwater will arrive in Perpignan on Wednesday (April 24) and will wear the number 33 shirt.